Dash lamp



Nov. 23 1926. 1,608,171

W. HERMANN DASH LAMP Filed Feb. 5 1925 ilatented Nev. 23, 1926.

STATS wenreene HERMANIQ', OF CHECA'LGO, ILLINGES, ASSIGI' IvIAN'UFACTU ENG COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLIIQOIES,

3355 I0 METAL S?ECIALTIES GELORATION OF ILLINOIS.

DASH LAMP.

Application filed February The primary object is to provide an improved dash lamp 01 this character which 'an be readily applied to any automobile. dash, which is thoroughly adapted to Its pu pose, and which can be cheaply manu tactured.

The invention is illustrated in its preferred embodiment in the accompanying drawing, in whieh- Fig. 1 represents a vertical sectional view of the metal dash of an automobile having the improved device applied thereto; Fig. represents brokenly, the improved device applied to a wooden dash; Fig. 3 represents a rear view of the device shown in Fig. 1, after emoval from the dash; Fig. 4.- is a rear elevational view of a supplemental clamping member which is employed when the device is attached to a metal dash; Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken as indicated at line 5 of Fig. i; and Fig. 6 is a broken vertical sectional view taken as indicated at line 6 of Fig. 3.

In the illustration given, A represents a metal dash of an automobile; A represents a wooden dash; and B represents the improved dash-lamp device.

The device B preferably comprises a U- shaped clamping-bracket 1; a lamp 2 carried thereby; and a supplen'iental clamping member associated with the clamping-bracket 1.

The clamping-bracket 1 preferably comprises a strip of sheet-metal which is bent substantially in U-t'orm, thus aii ording front arm 1 a rear arm 1", and a connecting web 1 The arm 1 is extended some distance above the upper end of the arm 1, and provided with an embossment 1 upon which is mounted the lamp 2. The lamp 2 has a shank 2 which comprises a sleeve whose rear end fits in and has headed connection with a suitable perforation in the embossment 1. In the tubular shank J is mounted a suitable electric connector (not shown), which may be operated by means of a handle l. Any suitable construction may be employed for the lamp and connector. A desirable construction for this portion ot a the device is shown in my pending application Number 738,955, filed September 20, 1924.

The upper end of the arm 1 of the clamping-braclret 1 is curved rearwardly as indicated at 5, thus i orn'iing a thumb piece. Below this thumb piece the metal is sheared along suitable lines and punched forwardly to provide brads, or lugs, 6. These brads incline forwardly and downwardly and pretcrably have sharp points. These points are adapted to be driven into the wood w ien the device is applied to awooden dash, and are adapted to engage the teeth of a ratchet device with which the supplemental clampingmember 8 is provided when the device is applied to a metal das" 4 I When the device applied to the wooden dash A, the supplemental clamping-member 3 is not employed. in this case, the U-shaped clamping-bracket slips over the lower edgeportion of the dash, and the brads 6 engage the rear surface of the dash. ()rdinarily,

"thebrads will make a slight indentation in the wood, and the resiliency of the U-shaped bracket is suiiicient to prevent the bracket from slipping down from its proper positron. lio'wever it s preferred to drive the brads into the wood somewhat, and this can be accomplished by tapping lightly upon the member 1" with a hammer.

The bracket member 1 has its front arm,

l and its web-portion 1 suitably channelled to admit an electric conductor. Such a channel may be provided by striking the metal outwardly to form a hollow rib, as indicated at 7. This enables a conductor to be carried from the rear of the dash through the Clli-l11- nel and through the embossment 1 to connect with the plug of theelectric connector of which the sleeve 2 forms a part.

The metal may be cut away at the lower rear corner of the clampingbraclret 1, as indicated at thus affording an opening through wh'ch the conductor may pass into the channel i', as will be clearly understood from Fig.

li hen the device is to be applied to a metal dash, the supplemental clamping device 23 is einployed. As shown, the metal dash ordinarily is providodat its lower edge with a reaiwvardly turned flange 8. Sometimes the flange is replaced by a bead, and also the dash may vary in thickness. Provision is made for adjustability to meet such conditions. Ordinarily, the metal dash is made from comparatively light sheet-metal, and the SUPPlGlIlUDi-rll clamping men'iber 3 tween the tongue 1 and the metal dash A.

The web-portion 3 of the member 3 is provided with series of teeth, or catches, 3, which are adapted to be engaged by the brads 6. The teeth 3 are in the nature of ratchet teeth, and preferably are formed by shearing the metal of the web along horizontal lines and bending the sheared metal at an angle to the web. In this manner, ratchet teeth are provided and slits between the ratchet teeth are also provided so that the sharp points 01"- the brads will slip into or through, these slits when the parts are applied in the manner shown in Fig. 1.

In assembling the device, as shown in Fig. 1, the member 3 is shoved downwardly like a wedge between the tongue 1 and the metal dash until the lower flange 8 engages the flange 8 of the dash. The pressure is continued and the web 3 of the member 3 is put under a certain amount of fiexure. The pressure is continued until the brads are caused to engage the proper teeth of the ratchet device to insure a secure connection.

In this operation, the web and flanges of the supplemental clamping member 3 are sprung somewhat, and theresilience of the member is sufficient to insure secure connection between the brads (5 and the ratchet teeth 3. Thus, the bracket 1 is staunchly supported on the metal dash. Both the member 3 and the clamping-bracket 1 may be suitably resilient, so that the members can be snapped readily into position and will then be securely clamped to the dash.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended ciaims should be construed as broadly as permissible, in view of the prior art.

hat ll regard as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A dash lamp device comprising a lamp, a U-snaped supporting bracket upon the upper end of the "front arm of which said lamp is mounted, said bracket having an upwardly extending rear arm equipped with a brad and a supplemental clamping member adapted to be interposed between said rear arm and a metal dash and provided with a series of teeth co-acting with said brad.

2. A. dash lamp device comprising a lamp, a U-shaped supporting bracket upon the upper end of the front arm of which said lamp is mounted, said bracket having an upwardly extending rear arm, a supplemental clamping member adapted to be interposod between said rear arm and a metal dash, and adjustable connections between said rear arm and said supplemental clamping member.

W'OLFGANG HERMl-LNN. 

